Russia is in the process of adopting a national self-exclusion registry, state media has reported.
Passing second and third readings in Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, provisions are already in motion to introduce a self-exclusion scheme that will be fully operational by 1 September 2026.
From that date onwards, players wanting to gain more control over their gambling behaviour can do so by submitting an application to the Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI). A customer can request to be taken off the self-exclusion registry afterwards, but not before a year has passed after the admission.
It will be mandatory for a customer’s bank account details to be provided when an application is made, so that all funds deposited and present in their account are refunded.
The law passed first reading earlier in May, led by members of the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports. There will be financial repercussions for operators failing to comply with the new regulations.
Bookmakers and lottery operators will be barred from accepting funds from self-excluded individuals.
Retail venues that offer casino and slot machine games will be restricted from allowing such individuals access to their premises, and advertising to self-excluded persons will be strictly prohibited. Licence holders that do accept bets from self-excluded individuals are facing fines of between 50,000 Rubles (£470) to 100,000 Rubles.
Almost all types of gambling were restricted in Russia back in 2009. Physical casinos currently exist only in four designated areas – the Altai Republic, the Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnaya Polyana, and Primorsky Krai.
Lottery games are fully state monopolised, operated by Russia’s Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Finance. Meanwhile, bookmakers do enjoy a more liberalised regime by being allowed to operate across all of Russia’s vast territories.
That doesn’t go without caveats, however, with licensed operators still subject to strict rules – with a certain capital threshold being required to receive a licence, while all online bets having to go through Russia’s Center for Interactive Bets (CUPIS).